What makes a worthy employer?

No, it's not a typo. What makes a worthy employer? It's not a question that normally comes up during your job search. Especially in a day when the job market is still a bit snug and lay-offs seem to be the only headline available in the Business section. I could write yet another article on making yourself worthy for a career or prepping for an interview. Chances are, if you're reading this, you've already digested enough self-help info to write your own series.

So what does make a worthy employer?

Surely you've sat at your desk and thought, "I wish my boss was..."

We all have. For most, the question is not of utmost importance. But for the Christian, it should be at the top of your requirements before accepting a job offer.

Yes, times are tough, and you can't be choosy. But answer this: Will I trust in God to place me where I can best serve Him or will I let fear push me into a place where I'll end up miserable and, odds are, performing poorly?

Make a list. What are your priorities? Money? Family? Church?

You owe it to yourself and your prospective employer to be up front about what's important to you. If you simply nod your head in an interview to every question, then you have no right to be put off when you're asked to work a Sunday. And you have no right to complain when you're sent on long business trips if both you and your employer were honest during the interview process.

This is a two-way street. You may be at this company for five, ten, maybe even twenty years. It's almost like a marriage. How would you like for your spouse to inform you that he or she doesn't want children a year after the wedding vows. If you want to improve your odds of a successful career move, be honest during the interview. Tell your employer what you expect of him or her.

As always, make a list of questions to ask your potential employer during the interview. Most of these will be in regard to job responsibilities, company profile, etc.

Now add some of these to your list:

Will I be required to work any Sundays (Saturdays for the SDAs)?

Will I be expected to work late hours?

Will I do any traveling? How often? How long?

Will I be entertaining clients? If so, can I decline taking them to places I find offensive? (You'd be surprised how often this comes up, even for employees not in a direct sales position. Make it clear to your employer that you have personal limitations.)

I have responsibilities at church (meetings, VBS, etc.), can I let you know in advance that I will be unavailable to work during those times (assuming they're after business hours)?

Will I be expected to attend office parties or picnics?

Those are a few, you may have some of your own to add to the list. Think about what's important to you and how it may be adversely effected by your job.

Survey after survey reveals that a great percentage of Americans are not satisfied with their jobs. This, despite the fact that Americans make a higher wage per capita than almost every country on Earth.

Why?

Chances are, most people see only dollar signs when an offer is made, never taking into account the long term satisfaction they'll get out of the job. As Christians, we should be the first to understand that money will not bring happiness or job satisfaction. Being at the center of God's will should always be first and foremost in our lives. As always, pray about your career decisions. God is not impressed by high wages, nor should you be if the clear answer to your prayer is "Look elsewhere."

God bless and happy hunting.